Middle East Monitor, today, 23rd of August, reports the grievance of Egypt over the US’s decision to withdraw and delay aid. According to the report, Egypt has strongly ‘criticized the recent US move to withhold $95.7 million in aid and to delay a further $195 million over concerns that Egypt has failed to progress on respecting human rights and democratic norms,’ as expected.
The decision, as according to the report,’ came after Egyptian Prime Minister Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi allowed a law to go into effect in May which limits NGO activity in the country after assuring US officials earlier this year that the law would not be passed,’ to have hold.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry reportedly ‘said in a statement that the decision reflects a poor judgment of the nature of strategic relations that tie the two countries’ for the past 20 years.
An important Middle Eastern ally to America, Egypt borders Israel and controls the Suez Canal, both strategic assets. Over the past 30 years, it is confirmed that ‘the US has provided nearly $80 billion to Egypt in the form of military and economic aid. Egypt, therefore, warned that the decision could have ‘a negative impact’ on common interests between the two countries.
Also, reacting to this, observers around the world have also register concerns. Many are of the opinion that US need not withhold aid as aids are facilities designed and structured to address some critical fiscal needs.
Correspondent: Ridwan A Olayiwola
